Sullivan And Wang To Discuss Red Sea Security In Bangkok Meeting

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is meeting top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi today and tomorrow in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting is likely to include discussions on China’s role in diffusing tensions in the Red Sea by applying pressure on Iran, the primary backer of the Yemini Houthis.

• China’s lopsided trade relationship with Iran gives Beijing significant leverage over Tehran but it is unclear what, if any, measures China would enforce should Iran fail to reduce their patronage of the Houthis.
• Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Wednesday: “China calls for a stop of causing disturbance to civilian ships, and urges relevant parties to avoid adding fuel to the fire in the Red Sea and jointly safeguard the safety of the Red Sea shipping...”
• White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday: “China has influence over Tehran; they have influence in Iran. And they have the ability to have conversations with Iranian leaders that—that we can’t... We would welcome a constructive role by China... to try to help stem the flow of weapons and munitions to the Houthis.”
• White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statementthat the meeting, “continues the commitment by both sides at the November 2023 Woodside Summit between President Biden and President Xi to maintain strategic communication and responsibly manage the relationship.”